Protein profile of purified plasma- and aqueous humor-derived extracellular vesicles from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis.

PURPOSE: To characterize the extracellular vesicle protein cargo in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Aqueous humor and plasma were collected from six patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis and six patients with cataract. Extracellular vesicles were isolated, and western blotting and mass spectrometry were performed for protein analysis. RESULTS: All plasma samples from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract were positive for the tetraspanins CD63 and TSG101. However, the aqueous humor from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis was positive only for CD63. Sixty-seven new unreported proteins were identified in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with the ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract. Of the 67 proteins, 10 and 7 were found only in the cataract and ocular toxoplasmosis groups, respectively. In general, these proteins were involved in immune system activation and retina homeostasis and were related to infections and retina-associated diseases. CONCLUSION: The distinct protein signatures between ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. However, more studies are needed to better understand the role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Differential Proteins Expression Distinguished Between Patients With Infectious and Noninfectious Uveitis.

PURPOSE: We investigated the aqueous humor proteome and associated plasma proteome in patients with infectious or noninfectious uveitis. METHODS: AH and plasma were obtained from 28 patients with infectious uveitis (IU), 29 patients with noninfectious uveitis (NIU) and 35 healthy controls undergoing cataract surgery. The proteins profile was analyzed by SomaScan technology. RESULTS: We found 1844 and 2484 proteins up-regulated and 124 and 161 proteins down-regulated in the AH from IU and NIU groups, respectively. In the plasma, three proteins were up-regulated in NIU patients, and one and five proteins were down-regulated in the IU and NIU patients, respectively. The results of pathway enrichment analysis for both IU and NIU groups were related mostly to inflammatory and regulatory processes. CONCLUSION: SomaScan was able to detect novel AH and plasma protein biomarkers in IU and NIU patients. Also, the unique proteins found in both AH and plasma suggest a protein signature that could distinguish between infectious and noninfectious uveitis.

Seroprevalence and systemic immune biomarkers associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in blood donors from Southern Brazil.

The high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Blood Banks could be a potential risk for contamination of blood recipients. The discovery of new biomarkers may help to distinguish between seropositive and seronegative donors. This study determined the seroprevalence and profile of systemic immune biomarkers associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among blood donors from Southern Brazil. Peripheral blood was collected from 510 blood donors (52.2 % male; mean age: 36.61), 310, and 200 from Erechim, and Chapecó municipalities, respectively. Specific Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by Eletrochemioluminescence. Nested PCR and qPCR were performed to detectToxoplasma gondii DNA. Twenty-seven inflammatory factors were analyzed using a high-performance Luminex assay. Among 310 blood donors from Erechim, 44.5 % (138/310) were IgM(-)/IgG(+), and 1.3 % (4/310) were IgM(+)/IgG(+), while out of 200 blood donors from Chapeco, 42.5 % (85/200) were IgM(-)/IgG(+), and 2 % (4/200) were IgM(+)/ IgG(+). We did not find Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the samples analyzed by Nested PCR and qPCR.Additionally, IgM(-)/IgG(+) donors presented higher levels ofdistinct systemic mediators, and were indicated to be high producers of several systemic mediators (CCL11, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL10, IL-1ß, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, IL-10, IL-1Ra, vascular endothelial growth factor/VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor/PDGF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/GM-CSF, and IL-7). However, IgM(+)/IgG(+) donors were found as high producers of CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL4, IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-9, IL-13, and PDGF, while IgM(-)/IgG(-) donors showed unaltered levels for the most soluble mediators evaluated. These distinct biomarker signatures might help identify potential factors to distinguish between IgM(-) and IgM(+) donors.

Ocular Disease in Mice Inoculated with Pork Heart Samples Infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the frequency, viability, and genetic characteristics of T. gondii in pork heart samples. METHODS: Thirty-five fresh pork samples were purchased in a slaughterhouse in Erechim city. The DNA was extracted and qPCR was performed. T. gondii genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP analysis. Positive samples were digested and inoculated in mice for viability analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that T. gondii DNA was detected in 25.7% of the pork heart samples and genotyping revealed one new atypical strain. The viability analyses demonstrated that 40% of mice presented clinical signs of T. gondii infection. qPCR was positive in the lung, liver, and brain of mice that presented clinical signs of T. gondii infection. Also, the histopathology analysis showed retinal disorganization, retinal detachment, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis in the eyes analyzed. CONCLUSION: Our findings have shown that pork eat from southern Brazil may contain live T. gondii that could be associated with toxoplasmosis.

Ocular Findings in Infants with Congenital Toxoplasmosis after a Toxoplasmosis Outbreak.

PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in infants vertically exposed to Toxoplasma gondii infection during an outbreak in Santa Maria City, Brazil. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 187 infants were included. METHODS: The infants were recruited from January 2018 to November 2019. All mothers were screened for syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus before delivery. Toxoplasmosis infection was confirmed in all mothers and infants based on the presence of serum anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. All infants underwent an ophthalmologic examination; ocular abnormalities were documented using a wide-field digital imaging system. Neonatal cranial sonography or head computed tomography was performed in 181 infants, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was screened for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in 159 infants. Peripheral blood samples from 9 infants and their mothers were analyzed for the presence of T. gondii DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ocular abnormalities associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. RESULTS: A total of 187 infants were examined. Twenty-nine infants (15.5%) had congenital toxoplasmosis, of whom 19 (10.2%) had ocular abnormalities, including retinochoroiditis in 29 of 38 eyes (76.3%), optic nerve abnormalities in 5 eyes (13.2%), microphthalmia in 1 eye (2.6%), and cataract in 2 eyes (5.3%). Bilateral retinal choroidal lesions were found in 10 of 19 infants (52.6%). Nine eyes of 6 infants had active lesions, with retinal choroidal cellular infiltrates at the first examination. Thirteen (7.2%) of 181 infants screened presented with cerebral calcifications. Eighty-three percent of the screened infants were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG and negative for IgM antibodies in the CSF. Congenital toxoplasmosis was higher in mothers infected during the third pregnancy trimester, and maternal treatment during pregnancy was not associated with a lower rate of congenital toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence rates of clinical manifestations were observed in infants with congenital toxoplasmosis after a waterborne toxoplasmosis outbreak, the largest yet described. Cerebral calcifications were higher in infants with ocular abnormalities, and maternal infection during the third pregnancy trimester was associated with a higher rate of congenital toxoplasmosis independent of maternal treatment.

A new strain of Toxoplasma gondii circulating in southern Brazil.

Recently, an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis was identified in Santa Maria city, Southern Brazil. However, the suspected vehicle of Toxoplasma gondii contamination in this region remains unclear. This study was conduct to analyze whether pork meat samples collected in supermarkets from Santa Maria city, RS, could be infected with T. gondii. Thus, we analyzed the presence of T. gondii DNA in 20 pork hearts, 20 pork tongues and 20 sausages. DNA was extracted from each sample and real-time PCR was performed using 529-bp and B1 markers. T. gondii genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. T. gondii DNA was detected in 2 of 20 (10%) heart samples and in 1 of 20 (5%) tongue samples using 529-bp marker. Besides, those 2 (10%) heart samples also were positive for T. gondii using B1 marker. All sausage samples were negative for both markers. Genotyping revealed a new atypical genotype in the pork meat. Our findings were not able to confirm whether these food samples were involved in some outbreak. However, we can conclude that food samples containing T. gondii can be displayed in Santa Maria supermarkets. In addition, a new T. gondii genotype was identified circulating in southern Brazil.

Self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: to identify self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease. METHOD: a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory approach with 14 women. The collection was performed from December 2015 to January 2016, while the analysis was supported by Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. RESULTS: self-care requirements are not fully met. The following were identified as universal: balance between loneliness and social interaction, rest and proper nutrition; development: inability to perform work, abrupt changes in the environment due to hospitalization, educational deprivation and dropout; health deviations: ulcer recurrences, pain, changes in skin appearance and gait changes. CONCLUSION: nursing care for women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease requires planned actions for comprehensive care.

Self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease / Déficits de autocuidado en mujeres con úlceras en las piernas y enfermedad de células falciformes / Déficits de autocuidado em mulheres com úlceras de perna e doença falciforme

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease. Method: a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory approach with 14 women. The collection was performed from December 2015 to January 2016, while the analysis was supported by Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. Results: self-care requirements are not fully met. The following were identified as universal: balance between loneliness and social interaction, rest and proper nutrition; development: inability to perform work, abrupt changes in the environment due to hospitalization, educational deprivation and dropout; health deviations: ulcer recurrences, pain, changes in skin appearance and gait changes. Conclusion: nursing care for women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease requires planned actions for comprehensive care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: para identificar déficits de autocuidado en mujeres con úlceras en las piernas y enfermedad de células falciformes. Método: abordaje cualitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio con 14 mujeres. La colección se realizó de diciembre de 2015 a enero de 2016, mientras que el análisis fue respaldado por la Teoría del Déficit de Autocuidado de Orem. Resultados: los requisitos de cuidado personal no se cumplen por completo. Los siguientes fueron identificados como universales: equilibrio entre soledad e interacción social, descanso y nutrición adecuada; desarrollo: incapacidad para realizar el trabajo, cambios abruptos en el entorno debido a internamiento, privación educativa y deserción; desviaciones de salud: recurrencias de úlceras, dolor, cambios en la apariencia de la piel y cambios en la marcha. Conclusión: el cuidado de enfermería para mujeres con úlceras en las piernas y enfermedad de células falciformes requiere acciones planificadas para el cuidado integral.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar os déficits de autocuidado em mulheres com úlceras de perna e doença falciforme. Método: abordagem qualitativa, descritiva, exploratória com 14 mulheres. A coleta foi realizada em dezembro de 2015 a janeiro de 2016, enquanto a análise foi sustentada pela Teoria Geral do Déficit de Autocuidado de Orem. Resultados: os requisitos de autocuidado não são plenamente atendidos. Foram identificados como universais: equilíbrio entre solidão e interação social, repouso e alimentação adequada; desenvolvimento: incapacidades para realizar o trabalho, mudanças abruptas de ambiente pelo internamento, privação educacional e evasão escolar; desvios de saúde: recidivas de úlceras, dor, alterações no aspecto da pele e alterações na marcha. Conclusão: o cuidado de enfermagem às mulheres com úlcera de perna e doença falciforme requer ações planejadas para o cuidado integral.

Self-care of men with priapism and sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To identify self-care demands of men with sickle cell disease and priapism and describe self-care measures in light of Orem's Self-Care Theory. METHOD: This is a descriptive exploratory study with qualitative approach conducted with nine men with a history of sickle cell disease and priapism. Data were analyzed using Orem's Self-Care Theory. RESULTS: Some demands were identified: from universal self-care - difficulty in social interaction and solitude, changes in self-image, self-esteem and sexual activity; from development - the experience with priapism and little knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease; regarding health deviations - pain crises. CONCLUSION: Orem's theory allowed to identify self-care demands, which are essential for the nursing care provided for men with priapism. Nursing has an essential role in the measures for the different demands presented.

Self-care of men with priapism and sickle cell disease / Autocuidado de hombres con priapismo y enfermedad falciforme / Autocuidado de homens com priapismo e doença falciforme

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify self-care demands of men with sickle cell disease and priapism and describe self-care measures in light of Orem's Self-Care Theory. Method: This is a descriptive exploratory study with qualitative approach conducted with nine men with a history of sickle cell disease and priapism. Data were analyzed using Orem's Self-Care Theory. Results: Some demands were identified: from universal self-care - difficulty in social interaction and solitude, changes in self-image, self-esteem and sexual activity; from development - the experience with priapism and little knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease; regarding health deviations - pain crises. Conclusion: Orem's theory allowed to identify self-care demands, which are essential for the nursing care provided for men with priapism. Nursing has an essential role in the measures for the different demands presented.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las demandas sobre autocuidado de hombres con enfermedad falciforme y priapismo y describir las medidas del autocuidado a la luz de la Teoría de Orem. Método: Se trata de una investigación descriptiva, exploratoria, de abordaje cualitativo, realizada entre nueve hombres con historia clínica de enfermedad falciforme y priapismo. El análisis de los datos se llevó a cabo según la Teoría del Autocuidado de Orem. Resultados: se identificaron algunas demandas: del autocuidado universal: dificultad de interacción social y soledad, alteraciones de la autoimagen y autoestima y actividad sexual; del desarrollo: la experiencia con el priapismo y el conocimiento insuficiente sobre la fisiopatología de la enfermedad; sobre desviaciones de la salud: crisis de dolor. Conclusión: La teoría de Orem permitió identificar las demandas del autocuidado, esenciales para la atención de enfermería en hombres con priapismo y resaltó la importancia de la enfermería acerca de las medidas a ser tomadas en las diferentes demandas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as demandas de autocuidado de homens com doença falciforme e priapismo e descrever as medidas de autocuidado à luz da Teoria do Autocuidado de Orem. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, com nove homens com história clínica de doença falciforme e priapismo. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da Teoria do Autocuidado de Orem. Resultados: Foram identificadas algumas demandas: de autocuidado universal - dificuldade de interação social e solidão, alterações na autoimagem e autoestima e atividade sexual; de desenvolvimento - a experiência com o priapismo o e pouco conhecimento sobre a fisiopatologia da doença; em relação a desvios de saúde - crises de dor. Conclusão: A teoria de Orem possibilitou identificar as demandas de autocuidado, que são essenciais para cuidado de enfermagem a homens com priapismo, e a importância da enfermagem frente às medidas para diferentes demandas apresentadas.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Processed Pork Meat.

Toxoplasma gondii infection may be attributed to the ingestion of pork meat and contaminated water. In southern Brazil, the prevalence of blindness caused by T. gondii is the highest in the world. Our purpose is to determine the frequency of T. gondii DNA in commercial fresh sausage and cured salami samples from Rio Grande do Sul state, south of Brazil. A total of 118 samples (sausage and salami) from 8 different producers were collected and DNA was extracted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique was performed to detect T. gondii DNA using B1 marker. The frequency of T. gondii DNA among the total number of samples (sausage and salami) was 39% (46/118). Among these, a higher frequency of positivity was observed in the sausage samples (47.5%) when compared with the salami samples (17%). However, the mean parasite concentration was significantly higher in the salami samples. The prevalence of T. gondii DNA in fresh sausage and cured salami may indicate that infected pigs may be an important source of infections and a public health hazard to be considered.

Pregnant women co-infected with HIV and Zika: Outcomes and birth defects in infants according to maternal symptomatology.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated in Uganda in 1947. In Brazil, the first reported case of ZIKV infection was in May 2015. Additionally, dengue (DENV) is endemic and there has been a recent outbreak of chikungunya (CHIKV). Since the clinical manifestations of different arboviral infections (AI) can be similar, definitive diagnosis requires laboratory testing. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of ZIKV, DENV, and CHIKV infections in a Brazilian cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women, to assess clinical/immunological characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of women with evidence of recent AI. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory diagnosis of ZIKV, DENV and CHIKV infections utilized serological assays, RT-PCR and PRNT. The tests were performed at the first visit, 34-36 weeks of gestation and at any time if a woman had symptoms suggestive of AI. Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparison of medians, Chi-square or Fisher's to compare proportions; p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Poisson regression was used to analyze risk factors for central nervous system (CNS) malformations in the infant according to maternal symptomatology. RESULTS: Of 219 HIV-infected pregnant women enrolled, 92% were DENV IgG+; 47(22%) had laboratory evidence of recent AI. Of these, 34 (72%) were ZIKV+, nine (19%) CHIKV+, and two (4%) DENV+. Symptoms consistent with AI were observed in 23 (10%) women, of whom 10 (43%) were ZIKV+, eight (35%) CHIKV+. No CNS abnormalities were observed among infants of DENV+ or CHIKV+ women; four infants with CNS abnormalities were born to ZIKV+ women (three symptomatic). Infants born to ZIKV+ women had a higher risk of CNS malformations if the mother was symptomatic (RR = 7.20), albeit not statistically significant (p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: Among HIV-infected pregnant women with laboratory evidence of a recent AI, 72% were ZIKV-infected. In this cohort, CNS malformations occurred among infants born to both symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women with Zika infection.

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii in the retina in eye banks in Brazil.

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the main cause of posterior uveitis worldwide frequently leading to vision loss. In Brazil, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection ranges from 50 to 80% depending of the region studied. The frequency of toxoplasmic retinal scar may reach 18% of the adults in the South of Brazil. Our goal was to determine the frequency of T. gondii DNA in retinas from eye banks from different regions in Brazil. A total of 162 eyes were obtained from eye banks in Manaus (n = 60), Sao Paulo (n = 60), Chapeco (n = 26), and Joinville (n = 16). The retinas were macroscopically analyzed and collected for DNA extraction. Real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed using the T. gondii B1 marker. By qPCR, a higher frequency of T. gondii DNA in the retinas from the eye bank of Joinville (25%) was found when compared to Manaus (5%). The retinas from Sao Paulo and Chapeco were qPCR negative. Clinical examination determined the retina lesions to be compatible with toxoplasmosis in the following frequencies: Joinville (62.5%), Manaus (10%), Sao Paulo (6.7%), and Chapeco (15.4%).

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in peripheral blood and aqueous humor of patients with Toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis using real-time PCR.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detectingToxoplasma gondii DNA in the peripheral blood and aqueous humor of patients with toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with infectious uveitis seen from 2009 to 2013 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of the Federal University of São Paulo were enrolled in this study. Forty-three patients had toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis, and the remaining 12 had non-toxoplasmic infectious uveitis and served as controls. qPCR analysis forT. gondii DNA was performed on the patients' peripheral blood and aqueous humor samples. RESULTS: The qPCR was positive for T. gondii DNA in 37.21% (16/43) of the aqueous humor samples and 2.33% (1/43) of the peripheral blood samples; further, 16.27% (7/43) of the patients had positive results in both their blood and aqueous humor samples. CONCLUSION: qPCR was able to detect T. gondii DNA in patients with toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis in the blood as well as the aqueous humor and can help with the diagnosis of the disease.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in peripheral blood and aqueous humor of patients with Toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis using real-time PCR / Detecção de DNA do Toxoplasma gondii no sangue periférico e humor aquoso por PCR em tempo real

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the ability of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detectingToxoplasma gondii DNA in the peripheral blood and aqueous humor of patients with toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis. Methods: Fifty-five patients with infectious uveitis seen from 2009 to 2013 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of the Federal University of São Paulo were enrolled in this study. Forty-three patients had toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis, and the remaining 12 had non-toxoplasmic infectious uveitis and served as controls. qPCR analysis forT. gondii DNA was performed on the patients' peripheral blood and aqueous humor samples. Results: The qPCR was positive for T. gondii DNA in 37.21% (16/43) of the aqueous humor samples and 2.33% (1/43) of the peripheral blood samples; further, 16.27% (7/43) of the patients had positive results in both their blood and aqueous humor samples. Conclusion: qPCR was able to detect T. gondii DNA in patients with toxoplasmic active focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis in the blood as well as the aqueous humor and can help with the diagnosis of the disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o uso do PCR em tempo real (qPCR) na detecção do DNA do T. gondii no sangue periférico e no humor aquoso de pacientes com lesões de retinocoroidite focal, ativa por toxoplasmose. Métodos: Cinquenta e cinco pacientes com uveite infecciosa foram incluídos neste estudo. Os pacientes foram atendidos entre 2009 a 2013, no Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Quarenta e três pacientes tiveram o diagnóstico de lesões de retinocoroidite focal, ativa por toxoplasmose e, os outros 12 tiveram o diagnóstico de uveíte infecciosa não toxoplásmica e, por isso foram usados como grupo controle. A técnica de qPCR foi utilizada na detecção de DNA do T. gondii em amostras de sangue periférico e humor aquoso. Resultados: O qPCR foi positivo para o DNA do T. gondii em 37,21% (16/43) das amostras de humor aquoso, 2,33% (1/43) nas amostras de sangue periférico e, 16,27% (7/43) em ambas amostras simultaneamente. Conclusão: O qPCR foi capaz de detectar o DNA do T. gondii em pacientes com lesões de retinocoroidite focal, ativa por Toxoplasmose, no sangue bem como, no humor aquoso, podendo ajudar no diagnostico.

Dificuldade no Diagnóstico de Melanoma da Mucosa Nasal / Difficulty in the diagnosis nasal mucous melanoma

Introdução: O melanoma mucoso de sítio primário nasal é umapatologia rara e agressiva, que se mostra ao diagnóstico, muitasvezes, extensa e com acometimento de importantes estruturasanatômicas. Seu diagnóstico é difícil, quando em atendimentoem nível básico de saúde, pois a localização é intracavitária,os sintomas são inespecíficos, o que faz com que as hipótesesaventadas sejam, inicialmente, de doenças mais comuns.Objetivo: descrever um caso de melanoma mucoso nasal,enfatizando a importância do exame físico adequado na avaliaçãodo paciente. Relato de caso: Relatamos um caso de um pacienteidoso que cursava com obstrução nasal, epistaxe e rinorreia,sendo diagnosticado melanoma mucoso nasal. Comentáriosfinais: Ressalta-se a importância de serem colocados na listade hipóteses diagnósticas os tumores nasais, principalmente empacientes de idade avançada e nas obstruções nasais unilaterais.

Size structure of testate amoebae (Arcellinida and Euglyphida) in different habitats from a lake in the upper Paraná River floodplain.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the size structure of testate amoebae in distinct habitats, i.e. plankton, aquatic macrophytes and aquatic sediment. The samples were taken from a floodplain lake of the upper Paraná River. The assumptions we strived to scrutinize were that (i) larger mean sizes of testate amoebae would be recorded in the sediment of the lake; and (ii) temporally, smaller individuals would be registered during the high water period in all habitats. The sampling was done monthly, from April 2007 to March 2008, in triplicates for each habitat. Testate amoebae were represented by individuals sized between 20 and 400 µm. The smaller individuals predominated in plankton samples, while in the aquatic sediment the larger ones were chiefly represented. These differences were probably associated with metabolic activities, i.e. the energy needs of these unicellular organisms, in each habitat. Two-way ANOVA yielded significant differences between hydrological periods. During the high water period, the increase in rainfall and consequently in water flow, decreased the stability of the system and increased turbulence and water column circulation. Therefore, environmental stability seems to be one of the main factors driving the temporal variation in the size structure of these specific organisms.

Inventário de Obsessão-Compulsão:Análise da validade de um instrumento reduzido de prevalência temática dos sintomas do TOC / Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory: Analysis of the validity of an instrument reduced prevalence Themes of Ocd Symptoms / Inventario de Obsesión-Compulsión: Análisis de validez de un instrumento breve para el tema recurrente de los sintomas del TOC

O transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo é um tipo de desordem de ansiedade caracterizado pela ruminação de pensamentos incontroláveis denominados obsessões e por ritos comportamentais repetitivos chamados compulsões. O presente estudo teve como objetivo a adaptação do Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory de Foa et al. para a língua portuguesa no contexto brasileiro. Foi utilizada uma amostra de 216 estudantes universitários voluntários (M = 27,16 anos e DP = 2,18) da cidade de João Pessoa-PB. A partir da realização de uma análise fatorial exploratória observou-se a adequação dos valores obtidos para um conjunto de medidas multifatorial. A análise realizada sugeriu ainda índices de precisão e consistência interna consideráveis.(AU)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable rumination of thoughts called obsessions and repetitive behavioral rituals called compulsions. This study aimed to adapt the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory of Foa et al. for Portuguese Brazilian context. A sample of 216 volunteer college students (M = 27.16 years, SD = 2.18) from João Pessoa-PB. After performing an exploratory factor analysis showed the adequacy of the values obtained for a set of measures multifactorial. The analysis also suggested rates of reliability and internal consistency considerable.(AU)

Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo es un tipo de trastorno de ansiedad caracterizado por pensamientos incontrolables de la rumia llamados obsesiones y por los rituales repetitivos de comportamiento llamados compulsiones. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo adaptar el Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory de Foa et al. para el contexto portugués de Brasil. Se utilizó una muestra de 216 estudiantes voluntarios universitarios (M = 27,16 años, SD = 2.18) de João Pessoa-PB. Después de realizar un análisis factorial exploratorio mostró la adecuación de los valores obtenidos para un conjunto de medidas multifactorial. El análisis también sugirió que los índices de fiabilidad y consistencia interna fueron considerable.(AU)